Thursday, April 29, 2010

Character actor Shay Duffin, whose Irish background made him a natural to play bartenders, boxing announcers, cops and priests in hit films like 'Titanic,' 'The Departed' and 'Raging Bull,' died April 22 from complications to heart surgery. He was 79.

The Dublin native played the drink slinger who looked on as Leonardo DiCaprio won two tickets on the doomed Titanic, as well as bartenders in 'The Departed,' also starring DiCaprio, TV's 'Cagney & Lacey' and 'The Still Life.'

In 2003, he played legendary horse trainer Sunny Fitzsimmons in the hit 'Seabiscuit.' Other credits include 'Leprechaun,' 'Newsies' and most recently, the animated film 'Beowulf.'

Aside from film and television, Duffin enjoyed a distinguished stage career, and in 2006 wrote and performed a one-man play about oft-drunk Irish poet Brendan Behan, 'Confessions of an Irish Rebel.'

In that production, Duffin saddled up to a bar on stage, downing Guiness after Guiness. He told the New York Times in 2006 that decades ago, drinking too much was hardly frowned upon in Ireland.

"To get enough to eat was regarded as an achievement," he said. "To get drunk was a victory."

Duffin died at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He is survived by daughters Laura, Linda, Ruth and Susan.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Italian screenwriter Scarpelli, father of Italian-style comedies, is dead at 90.

The Oscar-nominated screenwriter Furio Scarpelli, who co-wrote "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and other classics of Italian cinema, has died, his family said Wednesday. He was 90. Scarpelli died in his home in Rome shortly after midnight, his son, Matteo Scarpelli, told The Associated Press. He had long suffered heart problems.

During a decades-long, prolific partnership with Age, Scarpelli co-wrote some of Italy's finest postwar movies, including "Big Deal on Madonna Street." Their sense of humor and an unforgiving display of the vices of Italian people became the pair's trademark, and made for memorable roles and lines for actors such as Marcello Mastroianni and Vittorio Gassman.

Age, whose real name was Agenore Incrocci, died in 2005.

The pair's "Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo" ("The Good, the Bad and the Ugly") is a spaghetti-western classic directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood. Age and Scarpelli received two Oscar nominations for best screenwriting in the 1960s. Scarpelli also received another nomination for "Il Postino" ("The Postman") in 1996.

Scarpelli is survived by his wife and two sons. A funeral will be held Friday in Rome, his son said.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Mexican actress Dolores Beristain died yesterday April 26th at the age of 83, her remains will be cremated.

Just three years after the end of World War II she began to forge a brilliant career as an actress in the theater company of Mrs. María Teresa Montoya, in the play Terrible Parents of Jean Cocteau. This work was the uncovering of what would be a total commitment to the floorboards, the great Greek drama, Medea and Hippolytus to name a few.

In film she appeared in "The Nights of a Dove", "The Corner of the Virgin Mary in my Heart" and won an Ariel for Best Supporting Actress for her work on the film "The Secret of Romelia".

Gradually, she became a character actress with hard work and participated in television soap operas: "Father Gallo", "The Passion of Isabela", "Time to Love", "As We Are", "A Face in My Past", among others.

Dolores Beristain died of respiratory complications at 83 years old and today at 11a.m. her remains will be cremated, as a sign of respect to her last will.

Dolores Beristain was the wife of actor Luis Beristain (1918-1962). She is survived by his sons Francis and Arthur, the latter also actor and Camila grandchildren, Francisco and Natalia.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND — Dorothy Provine, part Hollywood blond bombshell and part girl next door, has died.

The Bainbridge Island resident and former film and television actress succumbed to emphysema on Sunday morning at Hospice of Kitsap County in Bremerton, according to her husband, veteran director Robert Day.

She was 75, according to her husband.

“Beautiful,” was how a broken-hearted Day responded when asked to describe his wife, best-known for her role in the 1963 blockbuster “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.”

Day said he married Provine in Las Vegas 43 years ago, and soon after she left acting. They had one son.

“I mean, we both loved each other so much,” Day said.

The couple came to Bainbridge Island about 20 years ago, and both, especially Dorothy, kept very much to themselves.

“She was very reserved. We really didn’t socialize very much,” Day said.

But they enjoyed their private world.

The couple used to go for drives on the island, and she loved watching movies, but even more, enjoying a good book.

“That was her main joy,” Day said.

The couple lived on Finch Road, and their son lived on the same property.

Tan is also the director of “Cabaret” at Bremerton Community Theatre. On Thursday, nine cast members appeared at the hospital, and with a piano moved from the lobby to Provine’s second-floor room, they sang song after song from the popular musical. Provine, still stunning, slim and blond hair in a ponytail, smiled widely and wiggled her toes in delight as she sat up in bed and listened.

But the “Cabaret” cast members, perhaps unknowingly, were singing the final swan song for a famous actress.

“I think it was a greater experience for us,” Tan said.

A little more than two days later, Provine was dead.

Provine was born Jan. 20, 1935, in Deadwood, S.D. and attended the University of Washington. She was at home both on the big screen and on the one in living rooms.

Her flawless face with wide smile and blond bouffant were common on TV during the 1950s and 1960s. But it was her role as Pinky Pinkham, the not-to-be-forgotten flapper in “The Roaring ‘20s” that captured the imagination of many.

Some of her movies included “The Bonnie Parker Story” (1958), a role she got just three days after arriving in Hollywood, according to the Internet Movie Database at imdb.com. Movies that followed included “Riot in Juvenile Prison” (1959); “Live Fast, Die Young” (1958) and “The 30-Foot Bride of Candy Rock “(1959). Her last movies before her early departure from acting included “Good Neighbor Sam” (1964); and “Never a Dull Moment” (1968).

Monday, April 26, 2010

Veteran television comedy writer and producer Myles Wilder, who wrote for such classic smallscreen shows as "McHale's Navy," died April 20 of complications from diverticulitis in Temecula, Calif. He was 77.

Wilder, nephew to helmer Billy Wilder and whose father was B-movie director-producer W. Lee Wilder, started writing for popular radio series, "The Whistler," during his years at UCLA theater school.

Following a stint in the Army, Wilder and his wife moved to London where he worked on the series "The Adventures of Marco Polo."

Upon returning to the U.S., he became a successful writer-producer of comedy series for more than 40 years. Besides "McHale's Navy" for which he was twice Emmy-nommed, his credits include "The Lucy Show," "The Doris Day Show," "Gomer Pyle," "My Three Sons," "The Brady Bunch," "Get Smart," "The Tim Conway Comedy Hour," "Diff'rent Strokes" and "The Dukes of Hazzard."

Wilder was known for his witty and wry sense of humor, culinary prowess and his love for dogs.

During his varied career, he also worked for Walt Disney developing movies and was in charge of daytime TV for the Hanna/Barbera Studios, where he oversaw the writing and production of "Inch High Private Eye" and "Hong Kong Phooey," among many other animated classics.

He also sold a novel, "Freeze," to Warner Bros.

Wilder retired from the biz in 1994 and became an avocado grower in Temecula.

Survivors include his wife, Bobbe; a daughter; and two grandchildren.

A memorial will be held at 10 a.m. April 28 at the England Family Mortuary in Temecula.

Panopio rose to fame in the 1970s. Although he was more known as a singer, owing to his success, singing in the unique yodeling style associated with country music, Panopio started out as a bit actor appearing in films alongside Philippine movie greats Jess Lapid and Fernando Poe Jr.

Among earlier films that Panopio did was “Teen-age Crush” (1960), “Tatlong Baraha” (1961), and “Omar Cassidy and the Sandalyas Kid” (1970).

The movie “Dito sa Pitong Gatang,” which makes use of a ditty of the same title that he popularized, was released in 1992.

The most indelible image of Panopio that stuck to the minds of many, however, is that of the man in cowboy get-up singing on national TV, the tune “Ang Kawawang Cowboy” – his biggest hit next to “Dito sa Pitong Gatang.”

Panopio was last seen as a guest performer on “Wowowee” last year, during which host Willie Revillame addressed him as a “Living Legend.”

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Michael Gene Adams, a veteran stuntman and actor, died April 18 at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Newhall, Calif., after suffering a stroke. He was 60.

Adams, who grew up on a cattle ranch and traveled the rodeo circuit as a youngster, served as a stuntman or stunt coordinator on more than 80 films and acted in another 20. For many years, he was the stunt coordinator on NBC soap "Days of Our Lives" and was a president of the Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Character actor Pataki dies of cancerThesp frequently played the baddieBy VARIETY STAFF

Character actor Michael Pataki died Thursday in North Hollywood, Calif., of cancer. He was 72.Pataki was a versatile thesp who frequently played the bad guy in pics like "Grave of the Vampire" and "Airport '77."

Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Pataki attended USC where he double majored in drama and political science.

His film debut was an uncredited role in 1958's "Ten North Frederick," but it was at a 1966 summer stock festival in Edinburgh that he impressed.

Other films included "The Onion Field," "The Dirt Gang," "The Baby" and "The Bat People."

Thesp Jodean Lawrence died on March 17 in Santa Rosa, Calif., of natural causes. She was 77.
Lawrence received her theater and film training at the Pasadena Playhouse. During her early career, she acted under the name Jodean Russo but changed it to Lawrence following a divorce and remarriage.

Throughout her stage career she performed at Los Angeles' Theater West and the Cellar, Cast and Nomads Theaters. She worked overseas in Rome in the early 1960s and on Broadway in "But Seriously, Folks," in 1969.

Lawrence's film work includes "Airport," "Harrad Summer," "Funny Lady," and "Revenge of the Virgins." She worked extensively in sudsers "General Hospital," "Days of Our Lives" and "The Young and the Restless" as well as guested on primetime series including on "Rockford Files," "Little House on the Prairie" and "Archie Bunker's Place."

Lawrence was at one time married to actor Tony Russel.

Lawrence is survived by a son actor Del Russel.

Services are planned for May 31 in Sebastopol, Calif. For more information email lorijimgram@yahoo.com.

Monday, April 19, 2010

GEAS, Thomas Andrew Our father and friend passed away on the morning of April 8, 2010. Born in Fitchburg, Mass. in 1934, he proudly served in the Korean War. After discharge he moved to Hollywood, California. His dream was to be an actor. He fulfilled this dream and spent many years in television. Many friends and family will remember Bud's Red Hots, the hamburger stand he owned until the early 1990s. He touched many lives in many ways. He leaves behind six wonderful grandchildren and his four children, Nicole, Felicia, Christina and Matt. Join us in memorial at the VA National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA on April 19th at 11:30 a.m. He will be greatly missed but always remembered. Armstrong Family Mortuary Published in the Los Angeles Times on April 18, 2010

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Legendary voice actor and kids' show host Allen Swift has died at the age of 86. A whole generation of children who grew up in New York knew him as Captain Allen Swift, host of the Popeye cartoons (and others) on WPIX in late fifties, and for years, he was probably the most prolific mimic and performer of funny voices in that part of the country. His cartoon credits included Underdog (he was the villainous Simon Bar-Sinister), King Leonardo (he was Odie Cologne, Itchy Brother and Tooter Turtle) and the movie, Mad Monster Party. He did hundreds of commercials, cartoons, on-camera appearances and even a few jobs on Broadway...but some will always hail him as the man who saved Howdy Doody.

He did that twice. In 1952, the host "Buffalo" Bob Smith fired several of the performers in a salary dispute, thereby rendering many of the show's recurring characters speechless since the actors who played them were gone. Allen Swift came to the rescue, assuming those roles and he was soon dubbing most of the key players of Doodyville...all except for Howdy. Bob Smith himself would pre-record the voice of Howdy. Smith had done it himself in the show's earliest days when the budget wouldn't allow for another actor. He kept doing it after that because the voice was established and they were convinced no one could replicate it.

Then in 1954, Smith had a heart attack and was off the show for many months. Again, it was Swift to the rescue. Allen took records home over a weekend, learned to do the voice and thereafter supplied it so Howdy could continue to appear on Howdy Doody. In fact, Swift did it so well that when Buffalo Bob returned to the program, Swift continued to speak for the star of the show.

These are just a few of the staggering number of credits in the career of Allen Swift. He leaves behind an amazing legacy of work...and a lineage that is carried on by his gifted son, Broadway star Lewis J. Stadlen. Talent sure ran in that family.

Dede Allen, best known for editing Arthur Penn’s Bonnie and Clyde (1967), died at her Los Angeles home on Saturday, April 17, days after suffering a stroke. She was 86.

According to the Los Angeles Times obit, Allen was the first film editor to receive sole credit on screen. That was for Bonnie and Clyde. (I’m not sure if that also includes film editors of movies made away from Hollywood.)

She was also nominated for three Academy Awards: Sidney Lumet’s Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Warren Beatty’s Reds (1981), and Curtis Hanson’s Wonder Boys (2000). (But not for Bonnie and Clyde.)

Also, Sidney Lumet’s Serpico (1973) and his expensive flop The Wiz (1977), John Hughes‘ The Breakfast Club (1985), and Robert Redford’s The Milagro Beanfield War (1989).

Now, although Dede Allen became an important name among film connoisseurs, she was hardly the first editor to have her (or his) work discussed on a "serious" level.

Even if one ignores the montage experts of early Russian and German cinema, and stick to Hollywood fare, there was the much-discussed editorial work done on the chariot races in both version of Ben-Hur (1925, 1959), Robert Wise’s editing of Orson Welles‘ Citizen Kane, and George Tomasini’s work on Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960), to name four instances.

Also, it’s hardly as if Allen’s editorial touches were developed in a creative vacuum. Both The Hustler and Bonnie and Clyde were very much influenced by the British, French, and Italian new waves, which boasted innovative narrative structures such as those found in Michelangelo Antonioni’s Il Grido (1957), Tony Richardson’s Look Back in Anger (1959), and Jean-Luc Godard’s A bout de souffle / Breathless (1959). (Never mind Pauline Kael’s remark that the very Nouvelle Vagueish Bonnie and Clyde was "excitingly American.")

Also worth mentioning is that in addition to creating visual edits, Allen made use of sound for dramatic effect, e.g., letting dialogue and/or background noises roll into or at times predate the next scene.

"She was just an extraordinary collaborator, and in the course of editing [Bonnie and Clyde], I came to develop confidence in Dede," Arthur Penn told The Times on Saturday. "Indeed, she wasn’t an editor, she was a constructionist."

Sid Levington Conrad died at his home in Williamsburg, Va., on Friday, April 16, 2010.

He was born to Maude Turner and Hugh Conrad on Aug. 10, 1923, and grew up in Otsego, Mich. Sid always smilingly noted that he spent his life surrounded by wonderful women: his mother, four sisters, three nieces, his wife, two daughters, and three granddaughters.

Sid served in the U.S. Infantry in World War II, going from the Bulge to the Elbe. Using the GI Bill he earned a Bachelors in History and a Masters in Journalism from Columbia University. He later earned a Masters in Arts Administration from UCLA.Sid had a successful career as an actor, being one of a small number who make their living as actors. He appeared regularly on TV in such shows as West Wing, ER, Chicago Hope, JAG, Moonlighting, The Young & The Restless, The Days of Our Lives, and myriad commercials. His biggest work was on stages from New York to Los Angeles, from Alaska to Florida, and included two one-man shows, Will Rogers USA and Spencer Tracy.

Family, friends, and colleagues knew Sid as a delightful wit and raconteur, and a man of extraordinary generosity of spirit, time, knowledge, and purse.Sid was preceded in death by his mother, his father, his sisters, Virginia Nees, Vyvyan Clawson and Carma Conrad.

He is survived by his sister, Hilda Knuth; his wife, Sheila (Shelly) Conrad; his daughters, Kim of Broomfield, Colo., and Maia of Williamsburg, Va.; his son-in-law, John Burton; his granddaughters, Jordan, Felisa and Rachel Conrad-Burton; nieces, Kathy Evans, Judy Buelke-Sam and JoAnn Winkel; and many extended family members as well as dear friends in New York, Los Angeles and Williamsburg.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2010, at Bucktrout ofWilliamsburg Funeral Home, 4124 Ironbound Rd. Interment will be at Williamsburg Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Actors' Fund, 729 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10019; Temple Beth El of Williamsburg, 600 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185; or Sentara Hospice of Williamsburg.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Carl was born in Gary, Indiana to Carl J. and Ermine F. Moles, both preceding him in death. In 2002, he moved to Southern California where he remained until his death. Carl is survived by 4 children, Kristen, Adam and Curt (CA) and Carl Clark (TX); 3 grandchildren, Carly, Jack (AZ) and Aiden (TX); 2 sisters, Carol and Elizabeth Moles (CA); and ex-wife, Yvonne (CA); as well as many cousins across the country and innumerable friends. Throughout his life, Carl worked as a CPA, financial advisor, massage therapist and lately as a background actor. He appeared in over 100 movies, i.e. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", "Blades of Glory", "Angels and Demons", "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" and "Rush Hour 3" as well as the upcoming "Jonah Hex", as well as TV shows such as Boston Legal, Glee, Grey's Anatomy, Brothers and Sisters and Southland. A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 16, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. No flowers please. Please go to the online guestbook to send messages to his family and/or share memories of Carl.

Friday, April 16, 2010

QUINTON--Dolores. It is with great sadness and fond memories, we mourn the loss of our dear friend, Dolores Quinton who passed away March 31st at the age of 83. Dolores touched so many lives with her knowledge, charm and wit. Her passion for the arts eventually led her to the acting profession and the words of William Shakespeare guided her through her long career. Mrs. Quinton appeared on stage and television and her vast collection of books defined her love for literature, politics and the cinema. She attended Horace Mann school, and also had a Master's in Early Childhood Development. She held marketing position for the introduction of new products. She became a board member of the Center for Living, which is an adolescent outpatient substance abuse facility in New York City. She made her mark at the center with the same energy she always used in the past. Her simple questions always sparked discussions. With the heart of a lion and the soul of a child, Dolores had a zest for life and we were lucky that she stopped by us along the way. Mrs. Quinton was a devoted wife and mother and was predeceased by her husband, Albert Quinton and daughter, Patricia Quinton. She is survived by sister, Donna DeAngelis, who lives in Italy as well as a niece and great niece who also reside in Italy. On Tuesday, April 6 at 10am, a funeral mass will be held for Dolores at St. Stephens of Hungary Parish, located at 414 East 82nd Street in New York City. With love from Elizabeth and Liz and your loving New York friends.

Published in The New York Times on April 4, 2010

QUINTON, DoloresBorn: 1927Died: 3/31/2010, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

My father, Bob Cuff, who has died aged 87, was a film technician who specialised in matte painting – a post-production technique used to create a background for live action scenes, providing images that would be otherwise impossible or too expensive to shoot. He contributed mattes and other effects to films including The Guns of Navarone, Dr Strangelove and The Life of Brian. His skills also earned him a commission to render Jayne Mansfield's chest more "respectable" for a TV programme in the late 1950s.

Bob was born in Ilford, Essex, and educated at St Paul's school in south-west London. During the second world war, he became a land worker. He did his national service as a psychiatric nurse. After graduating from Camberwell School of Arts in 1951, he joined the special effects department at Shepperton studios, where he formed a lifelong working partnership with the visual effects specialist John Mackey. Between 1953 and 1963, he contributed mattes to many films, including Hobson's Choice, Richard III and The Longest Day.

Bob and John were then poached by the independent production company Bowie Films, where Bob worked until 1967. The pair contributed sinister background mattes and effects for The Masque of the Red Death and helped create the prehistoric landscapes of One Million Years BC. They also created moonscapes for Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.

The pair formed Abacus Productions, producing TV commercials including the "secret lemonade drinker" campaign for R White's and Orson Welles's ads for Domecq sherry. Bob left Abacus in 1986 and then worked as a matte painter on Erik the Viking.

Bob was a loving, good-humoured and modest man who enjoyed gardening. He was also a radical thinker whose family gatherings often descended into robust debate regarding the crisis of capitalism.

He fathered six children over two marriages and gained a stepson. They all survive him, along with his second wife, Nora, with whom he spent 54 years.

The most famous and renowned Italian Television host, actor and comedian Raimondo Vianello died today on 15th April, 2010. Not only the world of entertainment, but also politics, culture and sport at the highest levels reminiscent of the actor and anchorman who died in Milan at age 88.

Italian President Napolitano after hearing the death news of Raimondo Vianello, sent a message to Sandra Mondaini stating its proximity recalling the popular actor has given so much to stage, screen and TV Italians.

Actor Luca Barbareschi, PDL deputy, said in court the figure of the “Lord of television, “Raimondo Vianello, asking the House to Deputies to extend a greeting to the popular actor and television presenter. Applause from the benches of the Chamber has accompanied his words.

Gianfranco Fini, president of the Chamber on the death of Raimondo Vianello sent a message to his wife Sandra Mondaini that states “I learn with deep sadness of the death of your husband Raymond Vianello, protagonist of Italian comedy and one of the faces most loved by the public television.

His figure, an example of measured elegance and class, it leaves a great void in the world entertainment. Raimondo Vianello could express the end of irony life of our time with him for more than sixty the evolution of morality and of Italian society.

His humanity, sympathy and assured him of extraordinary elegance constant affection of his audience and all Italians. His passion for sport and, so particularly calcium, has made a valued and popular figure among the sports. We will miss his graceful voice, competence and professionalism.

At this time of great sorrow, I express to you, dear Sandra, my most sincere expression of condolences, together with that of the House of Members “.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Peter Haskell, 75, a prolific stage, screen and TV actor who starred in the behind-the-scenes Hollywood TV series "Bracken's World," died Monday April 12th, in his sleep at his home in Northridge, said his daughter, Audra.

Born Oct. 15, 1934, in Boston, Haskell began acting while studying for a degree in literature at Harvard. He appeared on stage in Boston, New York and Canada in the 1960s and won his first TV role in "Death Valley Days" in 1964.

Dozens of TV appearances followed on series including "Ben Casey," "Combat!," "Lassie," "The Big Valley," "Mannix," "Medical Center," "Barnaby Jones," "Vega$," "Murder, She Wrote," "Matlock" and the 2009 series finale of "ER."

Haskell played writer-producer Kevin Grant on "Bracken's World," a melodramatic backstage look at the film industry that ran on NBC in 1969 and '70. And he had a stint on daytime TV in the early 1980s on the ABC soap "Ryan's Hope."

He also appeared in two "Child's Play" horror films in the '90s and was active in theater in Los Angeles.

His first marriage to Ann Compton ended in divorce. In 1974 he married Dianne "Crickett" Tolmich. They had two children, Audra and Jason.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Reynaldo Hipolito, 76, nicknamed Palito (matchstick in Spanish) for his small frame, died about 7 a.m. Monday, a report on dzXL radio said. GMANews.TV confirmed this with Philippine General Hospital spokesman Dr. Michael Tee.

The report said the veteran comedian died from a lung condition.

He was transferred to PGH on April 6 from the Imus Family Hospital where he was rushed after complaining of severe abdominal pain. According to an earlier report, failed business ventures and financial mismanagement left him with little fortune.

On the other hand, his riches were in the form of his friends and fans in the industry, who were quick to help the Hipolito family in their time of need.

Mark Escueta of Rivermaya was one of those who spread this request on Facebook at 1:38 p.m. on April 6:

"Legendary actor/musician, Palito, is currently confined in a hospital in Imus, Cavite and he badly needs financial assistance in order to fully diagnose his condition. He is in need of a CT Scan ASAP. Please contact us at 09163451874 if you wish to donate. Any amount will help him greatly. Please share this post with your contacts. Thank you so much."

"For those who want to donate to or just visit Palito, he's at PGH, Ward 3, Bed 42. Thank you everyone for the tremendous support," Escueta posted the next day.

Palito, who at 21 chose the stage over his studies at Arellano University, was eventually discovered for his comedy-perfect small frame. From playing bit roles in slapstick shows, he eventually starred in countless films in the 80s and 90s, including parodies of Sylvester Stallone like Rambuto (of Rambo) and No Blood (of First Blood). It was Palito who thought of these titles.

Like any other rightful star, Palito earned the right to make demands. His, however, were limited to specifying what kind of coffin he would be placed in.

The former star had been making a living by playing late night gigs as a drummer at a bar in Sta. Cruz.

According to his son Jhune, Palito arrived home on April 6 very weak, unable even just to undress on his own.

Roberto de la Madrid's death was just recently made public. He was 88. De la Madrid was elected Governor of Baja California Norte in 1977. He was the first U.S. born Mexican politician to be elected to office in Mexico. He was born in Calexico, Califronia and raised on both sides of the International Border. He attended schools in San Diego and Baja California and became a bi-cultural businessman. He was credited with helping foster bi-national relations, Attracting foreign investors and establishing a strong tourism program. Before becoming Governor of Baja California Norte, de la Madrid was a successful distributor of Richfield and Pemex lubricants. In 1959 he appeared in an RKO motion picture, The Young Land with Dennis Hopper. He was friends with the future President of Mexico and actor John Wayne. Before becoming Governor of Baja California Norte, de la Madrid was a successful distributor of Richfield and Pemex lubricants. In 1959 he appeared in an RKO motion picture, The Young Land with Dennis Hopper. He was friends with the future President of Mexico and actor John Wayne. Before being elected Governor, de la Madrid was appointed tourism director for the state and he served as state senator and director for the state’s lottery, before being hand picked by President Jose Lopez Portillo as candidate for Governor for the ruling International Revolutionary Party, or PRI. His inauguration in 1977 was the first attended by a Mexican President since Baja became a state in 1951.

German comedian Andreas Kunze died after heart surgery in Essen, Germany on April 8, 2010. Born August 22, 1952 in Bremen, Germany, he trained to be a photographer. He wished to become a film director but turned to comedy when that career was not achieved. Kunze became friends with comedian Helge Schneider and they would appear in several films together. Kunze usually appeared as Schneider's mother in these films including his one Euro-western “Texas - Doc Schneider” (1993).

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Italian comedic actor and voice dubber Gino Pagnani died on April 10, 2010 in Magliano Sabina, Italy. Gino was born Luigi Pagnani Fusconi 1927 (ca). Gino's first film was “Il professor Matusa e i suoi hippies” (1968). He would then appear as the head examiner for the Department of Motor Vehicles in “Ma chi t'ha dato la patente?” (1970) directed by Nando Cicero with Franco & Ciccio. Gino would appear in future Franco & Ciccio films. He then appeared in the 1972 erotic comedy film “Quel gran pezzo dell'Ubalda tutta nuda e tutta calda”. These films would be his staple for years to come. He seldom had more than cameo and small character roles but his face was immediately recognizable to film goers. His last film appearance was as Dr. Socrates in the 1984 film “L'allenatore nel pallone”. Pagnani was also a voice actor and was best known as the Italian voice for Papa Smurf in the famous television series. His death was reported by his granddaughter Maria Cristina Camilli.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Dixie Carter, the star of such TV sitcoms as “Designing Women” and “Diff’rent Strokes” has died. She was 70 years old.

Carter was known for playing feisty characters with Southern charm, and had a long career as a star on stage and on television.

Born in McLemoresville, Tenn., in 1939, Carter appeared in such TV shows as “Out of the Blue” (1979) and “Diff’rent Strokes” (1984-1985) but her breakthrough role was that of interior designer Julia Sugarbaker on the comedy “Designing Women” (1986-1993). In recent years, she appeared on “Desperate Housewives,” and earned an Emmy nomination for her role.

Carter was married to actor Hal Holbrook. She appeared with him in the 2009 movie “That Evening Sun.”

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Shirley Mills Hanson, 83, a former child actress who played young Ruthie Joad in "The Grapes of Wrath," director John Ford's classic 1940 film based on the John Steinbeck novel, died March 31 of complications of pneumonia at a convalescent hospital in Arcadia, said stepdaughter Deniece Zwick.

Born April 8, 1926, in Tacoma, Wash., Hanson moved with her family to Southern California in 1937 to break into the movies. A crying scene with Gloria Jean in the 1939 musical "The Under-Pup" prompted Ford to test her for the role of Ruthie Joad.

Among other films in which she appeared as Shirley Mills are "Young People" and "Miss Annie Rooney," both starring Shirley Temple. Hanson also was a teenage member of Universal's jitterbug dance troupe the
Jivin' Jacks and Jills in the '40s and worked as a fashion and advertising model. After later working as a nightclub performer and stage personality, Hanson became a female pioneer in selling data-processing services in the 1960s and became the first female president of the Data Processing Management Assn. in Los Angeles. She then became vice president of marketing and public relations for Management Applied Programming, a major data processing center, for which she started a division for nonprofit organizations.
Hanson also launched her own wedding planning company, A Party for All Seasons.

She married Mel Hanson in 1977; he died in a car accident 18 years later.

Oscar Kramer, one of Argentina's most distinguished and international-minded producers, died Wednesday following a long illness in Buenos Aires. He was 72.

Kramer came to film production relatively late in life, producing Carlos Sorin's "Eversmile, New Jersey" in 1989 after working with Marcelo Pineyro on the production of Luis Puenzo's "The Official Story" in 1985, the country's first film to win an Oscar.

He broke through with Pineyro's "Burnt Money," a hit at the box office in 2000, and worked with Pineyro again "Kamchatka," the country's submission for the 2002 Oscars. Kramer, chairman of his indie label Kramer & Sigman Films, also worked with other established directors like Hector Babenco, producing his "Carandiru" and "The Past" starring Gael Garcia Bernal, and with new voices: Carlos Sorin, Israel Adrian Caetano and Damian Szifron.These directors embodied an ever-more dominant strain of new Argentina cinema: auteurs seeking widening audiences beyond the festival circuit. "Carandiru" and Caetano's "Buenos Aires 1977" both played in competition at Cannes.

Gentlemanly, Kramer's dream was to produce a bigscreen adaptation of "El eternauta," a sci-fi graphic novel about people fighting invading aliens, giant insects and enslaved humans that was set up as a co-production with Pedro and Augustin Almodovar's El Deseo in Madrid.

At the time of his death, he was producing "Los marziano," by Ana Katz, while in development was Szifron's "El extranjero," a sci-fi thriller. Kramer also was a big proponent of attracting more foreign shoots to Argentina, helping to fund the local industry. He line-produced UGC's "Lucky Luke," directed by James Huth.

Bill Mullikin, who played over 2,000 performances as Cornelius Hackle in Hello Dolly!, has died of Alzheimer's disease, according to a report in Variety. He was 83.

Mullikin played the role on Broadway and on tour throughout the U.S. and Australia, appearing opposite such stars as Ginger Rogers, Phyllis Diller and Dorothy Lamour. Among his other stage credits are the national tour of South Pacific, The Baker's Wife, as well as New Faces of 1952 and New Faces of 1956 on Broadway.

The actor also appeared in the film version of 1952 New Faces. Among his other screen and television credits are Hell Is for Heroes, The Brady Bunch, and Little House on the Prairie.
Mullikin is survived by a son and a daughter.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

British actor Christopher Cazenove was best known for his role in Dynasty

British actor Christopher Cazenove, who was best known for his role in Dynasty, has died after a "valiant battle" with septicaemia, his family have said.

The actor, who played Ben Carrington in the 1980s soap opera Dynasty, was 66.

In a statement released by his agent, his family and girlfriend Isabel Davis said the actor "died peacefully" surrounded by his loved ones.

He died on Wednesday at St Thomas's Hospital, London, after contracting septicaemia at the end of February.

The statement, released by Lesley Duff, his agent for the past 12 years, said: "Christopher died peacefully on April 7 surrounded by his loved ones having contracted septicaemia at the end of February.

"Despite a valiant fight and the untiring efforts of the wonderful team at St Thomas's, he was overwhelmed.

"All who knew and loved him will be devastated by the loss of this incredible man who touched so many lives."

Dakar, April 7 (APS) - The Senegalese comedian and actor James Campbell Badiane died Wednesday at age 78 in Dakar, following an illness, has learned the Senegalese Press Agency with the family.

During his long career began in 1955, James Campbell Badiane played in over thirty films, including the most recent being''The Price of Forgiveness''Mansour Sora Wade in 2002,''Whistle''Ace Thiam''in 2005.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Character actor Sam Menning dies at 85Credits include 'My Name Is Earl,' 'The Prestige'

April 5, 2010

Sam Menning, a photographer turned character actor who specialized in playing down-on-his-luck folks, died March 31 of emphysema at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. He was 85.

Menning played the Picked Egg Guy and a homeless man on NBC's "My Name Is Earl," a blind stagehand in Christopher Nolan's "The Prestige" (2006), a homeless man in "Speedway Junky" (1999) and a wino in Mel Brooks' "Life Stinks" (1991). He also appeared in the TV shows "In Case of Emergency" and "Yes, Dear."

Menning had his own photography business in New York beginning in the 1950s. Bonnie Howard, a talent agent who made Menning her first client, noted that he was the last photographer to shoot pinup girl Bettie Page.

Later, Menning worked as a gaffer, still photographer, grip, lighting technician, etc. in the 1980s before segueing into acting.

Menning's survivors include his brother, Rod Menning; his daughter, Sherree Casusol, and her four children; his companion of 48 years, Karina Von Wattidel; and his beloved cat, Admiral Chittendon.

A service will take place Wednesday at Angeleno Valley Mortuary in North Hollywood.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Jerry Adler, a harmonica virtuoso whose pure, open sound can be heard on the soundtracks to “Shane,” “High Noon,” “Mary Poppins” and other films, but who labored in the shadow of his more famous harmonica-playing older brother, Larry, died on March 13 in Ellenton, Fla. He was 91 and lived in Sarasota.

The virtuoso harmonica player Jerry Adler, right, on the set of the 1941 film, “Pot o' Gold,” with James Stewart on piano, George Marshall on trombone and Charles Winninger on trumpet.

The cause was prostate cancer, his son, Michael, said.

Mr. Adler got off to a flying start in the music business after winning a talent contest at a local theater at 13. It was the same contest, sponsored by The Baltimore Evening Sun, that Larry had won five years earlier, in 1927, and Jerry performed the same piece, Beethoven’s Minuet in G.

“I was a very skinny, scrawny kid who couldn’t make it at all with the girls,” he told The Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 1997. “So I did this as a defense. And it worked.”

First prize was the chance to perform with the theater’s headliner, Red Skelton, for a week. A few years later, looking for work in Manhattan, Jerry talked his way into an audition with Paul Whiteman and soon began appearing with his orchestra at the Palace.

Unlike Larry, who devoted himself to classical music, Jerry stuck with popular tunes. He was highly sought after as a soloist in films from the 1940s through the 1960s. His credits include the soundtracks for “Shane,” “High Noon,” “The Alamo,” “You Can’t Take It With You,” “Mary Poppins” and “My Fair Lady.”

When stars needed to pick up the instrument for a film role, he showed them how to fake it with conviction, secure in the knowledge that he would be recording the notes offstage. He tutored James Stewart in “Pot o’ Gold” (1941) and Van Johnson in “The Romance of Rosy Ridge” (1947). In the 1953 Kirk Douglas film “The Juggler,” he appeared onscreen taking a solo in a campfire scene.

Hilliard Gerald Adler was born on Oct. 30, 1918, in Baltimore. After establishing a solo career, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was assigned to an entertainment unit in Santa Ana, Calif., which cast him in “Winged Victory,” Moss Hart’s star-packed Broadway morale-booster about pilots in training. He also appeared in the film version, directed by George Cukor, which was released in 1944.

Eager to go overseas, Mr. Adler volunteered for a small entertainment unit called the Winged Pigeons, which toured most of the Pacific islands immediately after, and in some cases during, their liberation by American forces.

In 1947 he married Sylvia Gandel, who died in 1990. His second wife, Jean Ruppa, died in 2009. In addition to his son, Michael, of Germantown, Md., he is survived by a daughter, Susan Lantis of Capitola, Calif. Larry, his brother, died in 2001.

Beginning in the 1950s, Mr. Adler found steady work performing on cruise ships, which provided a good living for decades. In the 1980s, when the cruise ships became too onerous, he began performing on the Florida condo circuit. He often appeared with pops orchestras, usually performing the music of George Gershwin.

His autobiography, “Living From Hand to Mouth,” was published in 2005.

John D. Jefferies, Sr. (ca. 1936–25 March 2010, age 74), often credited simply as John Jefferies, was a set designer on Star Trek: The Original Series and brother of Philip and Matt Jefferies. John Jefferies shared credit with Matt for designing the original phaser pistol.[1] John Jefferies also worked on the final construction design for the USS Enterprise.[2]

Jefferies was born in Richmond, Virginia and grew up in New Jersey. He began his career in Hollywood following a stint in the United States Air Force. His first project was the 1966 film The Chase, whose cast included Paul Williams. Jefferies' subsequent film work included the 1967 classic Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and the musicals Funny Girl (on which Dick Rubin was property master) and Hello, Dolly! (with set dressings by Craig Binkley).[2]

Both John and Matt Jefferies work on the 1967 Walt Disney film The Happiest Millionaire. John later worked as a set designer on the 1970 film Catch-22 while Philip Jefferies was the film's art director. During production, Philip became ill and was replaced by Matt. John also took over some of Philip's responsibilities on the film.[2] On Catch-22, all three brothers were working under production designer Harold Michelson, who later headed the art department on Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

From the 1970s until 2001, Jefferies was an art director and production designer on such television shows as Baa Baa Black Sheep (on which John Larroquette and James Whitmore, Jr. were regulars), The Greatest American Hero, Hardcastle and McCormick (starring Brian Keith and Daniel Hugh Kelly), Matlock, and JAG. In his later career, he was also a set designer on such films as BASEketball, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. He was also the art director on the 2001 film Just Visiting, which featured Malcolm McDowell.

John Jefferies at one time served as president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes (IATSE) Set Designers and Model Makers. Jefferies died on 25 March 2010 due to complications from lung cancer. He was 74 years old. - Memory Alpha

About Me

Born in Toledo, Ohio in 1946 I have a BA degree in American History from Cal St. Northridge. I've been researching the American West and western films since the early 1980s and visiting filming sites in Spain and the U.S.A. Elected a member of the Spaghetti Western Hall of Fame 2010.